Rudiger: Moving to Rome was the right call

"Things didn't go brilliantly at the start," revealed the defender to press agency Deutsche Press-Argentur. "I was injured when I signed but then things sorted themselves out."

The Germany centre back moved to the Giallorossi in August on loan from Stuttgart, making his debut at Frosinone on 12 September.

"I went through a tough time in which it just wasn't happening for either me or the team. The Torino game springs to mind, where I made a mistake. It was quite tough for me then. But I was never afraid to keep going. I knew that in order to come through it I had to improve and I think I've shown that."

Rudiger has been called up for Joachim Löw's squad for his side's friendlies against England and Italy.

"I currently live in Italy, in Rome, and obviously it's a special match for me against the Azzurri. I hope to come up against some of my club team-mates but my focus will be on performing well and naturally winning in front of our home crowd."

Head coach Joachim Löw was in Rome a few weeks ago and singled you out for praise, particularly your versatility.

"We have a good relationship, which is how it should be. Being praised by a coach of his stature helps you to produce that bit extra. However I no longer want to be massively motivated like I was in the past but simply motivated. It was nice to hear his comments.

"I'm comfortable at centre back but I've played right back for Stuttgart, the national team and now with Roma. I've got no problem with either position. I'll play wherever the coach thinks I can contribute to the team."

Do you think your versatility could give you the edge when it comes to securing a place in the final squad for the Euros?

"I think I've come on over the last few months. That said, it's hard to discuss my chances now. We have to wait. What matters at this moment in time is staying fit. Everything else will sort itself out."

So you don't regret moving to Roma then?

"No, I'm really happy here. You have to accept what's written in the press in a professional way and that's what I do. At no stage have I doubted my decision. I'm professional enough to manage situations like these."

Do you already know what will happen this summer? Are you definitely staying at Roma?

"I think I've shown what I can do, now it's down to other people to decide. I'm pretty relaxed about it all."

Roma are in great form in the league. Do you still believe you can get back into the title race?

"I think that if you offered us third place today, we'd probably take it. Sure, we're on a great winning run but we mustn't get our hopes up. It looks very unlikely that Juventus will lose three games. We simply want to extend our series of victories and then we'll see where we are come the end of the season."

There are no Italian sides in the quarter-finals of either the Champions League or Europa League. Do you think that's just a one-off or has Italian football fallen behind its Spanish, German and English counterparts?

"Juventus are the ones who get the most headlines abroad. We also made the last 16 before we went out to Real Madrid. I think the other leagues are a step ahead but I also believe Italian football is on the way back."

It's been a while since Germany last played, back in November. Is it nice for you to be back in the national team set-up?

"It's always great to go on international duty. I'm pleased to be involved in the next two matches. I think they're two good tests which will be very important. It's a chance for the players to show what they can do ahead of Euro 2016."

Is there a player you look up to?

"Jerome Boateng, who's injured at the moment. I also like Mats Hummels, from whom I've learned a lot. He's an intelligent player and he can teach you a great deal."